Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Originally Posted by MyOldKyDram

Having my first go at THE BEIST. Delicious. Plenty complex, full of fruit with a well balanced smoke, but lighter, tamer than I would expect given the name. That's not a knock, just unexpected. For those in the know, how much of a difference is there between the different years? This is an 07 bottling, btw.

The Beist is anything BUT a beast... One of the tamer, more "adult" Ardbegs around. It's rich and smokey - but far from a monster than a CS Ardbeg can be. Lighter on smoke/peat (and alcohol) than the 10 year is.

Delicious and worthy of much praise in it's own way, but not a "beast" by any stretch compared to any other younger, more vibrant and potent CS Islay. I always found the name to be a misnomer, it's still an amazing dram.

In terms of year-to-year? I notice only marginal differences. They're all equally good for being an well aged, moderate proof Ardbeg.

Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

I opened an Amrut Fusion last night and found it really difficult. It reminded me of Walker Green Label, very similar nose that was quite pleasing, but the palate is a little all over the place. A little young tasting as well, which I expected. I think I'll grow to tolerate it, but first impression is definitely no more than a B-. I had a similarly underwhelming experience with a new Double Rye last night. Definitely a weird night for whiskies. Maybe it was me.

Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Ok, that Laphroaig 10yr CS has a heck of a finish that lingers for a while. Very tasty Islay! There is a definite sweetness that I wouldn't expect to compete step for step with the peat and smoke. I still prefer the Ardbeg 10 for a go to Islay, and the Alligator as the "in your face" Islay. But in the meantime.... Barkeep! Pour me another of that izlay, ya know that frog stuff!